What is Pre-QC?

Pre-QC is a comprehensive and objective, technical and content quality review performed on Video and Audio assets. The QC itself is identical to the Source Level QC in that is completed on high quality, large file size files. Pre-QC is called “Pre-QC” because it is done pre-creation of the final streaming deliverable.

When in Post should Pre-QC occur?

Ideally, after final color has been applied to the image and print mastering has been completed on the Near Field mix.

Technically, Pre-QC can happen anytime before the final deliverable for Netflix is created.

Please reach out to the Asset Specialist assigned to your title, if you have questions or specific concerns regarding this process. We will work with you to strategize on the best workflow for your title.

How long does Pre-QC take to complete?

The standard SLA for Pre-QC completion and report distribution is 48 hours from successful receipt of the file at the QC Vendor (including weekends). Please discuss with the partner vendor to establish expectations at the start of the Pre-QC process.

After a Pre-QC report is emailed to all associated parties, fixes will most likely be required. The time required for applying fixes can vary depending on the complexity of the fix. Please discuss with your Netflix contacts to establish an ETA for fix completion.

We recommend budgeting at least two weeks for both the Pre-QC and fix process.

How much does Pre-QC cost?

For non-US shows, please use these rates as a basis and convert to local currency for your budgets.

How many rounds of Pre-QC should be performed?

We recommend at minimum, one full round of QC and fix checks be performed on each episode or standalone as outlined in the below recommended workflow.

One full round of QC is defined as two full, linear passes of a video file. Each pass should also cover a set of audio tracks (5.1/ 2.0 Printmasters).

All issues noted in the QC report must be resolved, either with fixes or with creative sign off. After any fixes have been applied, a full replacement file should be sent back to the QC vendor for fix check. *The QC vendor will complete a spot check of ONLY the specific issues that were flagged and should not need to complete a full linear pass.*

*If a high number of fixes or global changes to the content have occured, we recommend at least one additional full linear pass of the replacement file. Please reach out to your Asset Specialist if you need guidance on whether an additional full QC is required.*

Remember, as a Post Supervisor, you make the final decision of what will work best for your show in Pre-QC. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Asset Management team.

Recommended Workflow

If all issues have been confirmed fixed or “creative intent”, and there are no new major issues found, the QC vendor will update the report to approved/ passed.

If there are issues that were intended to be fixed but are still present, or there are new issues found during fix checks, the QC vendor will reject the file again and send an updated report with the outstanding issues.

These remaining/ additional issues will need to either receive fixes or be signed off.

What kind of file should Post create to send for Pre-QC?

For Primary A/V Pre-QC, choose one of the below options. Ideally, title will be in longplay format. However, should segments or sections need to be checked, our QC Partners can accommodate these requests. Please share any and all context behind the file with your contact at the QC Partner.

How do I deliver a file to a Vendor for Pre-QC?

We recommend uploading the file to Content Hub and share via Workspaces.

Please add permissions for the Asset Specialist assigned to your show. This allows us to download the file and provide specific feedback, if necessary.

If you need to deliver a file via an alternate method, please reach out to your Asset Specialist or assetmanagement@netflix.com , so we can help facilitate this.

How do I receive a QC Report once Pre-QC is Completed?

All reports for Pre-QC are currently generated as PDFs at the QC vendor and emailed to external and internal personnel. When you receive the emailed QC report, please confirm that either your Asset Specialist or assetmanagement@netflix.com has been CC’d.

What do I do once I have received a Pre-QC Report?

We understand that not every issue can or should be fixed, and we value open discussion about a QC report with all parties involved.

Once the Pre-QC report is received, the Post Supervisor and the Sound Supervisor should address each issue individually.

Post and Sound supers should go through the report issue by issue to provide context on what action they plan to take:

Issue will be Fixed

Type of fix that will be applied and an estimate of how long that fix will take

Issue is Creative Intent

Why the issue is being deemed creative intent

Packaging or specification issues should NEVER be marked as creative intent and will always require a fix.

Issue is Best Possible

Can apply to content that includes stock footage, heavy VFX or already has a fix applied

Attempting any further adjustment/ fixes would detrimentally affect the content

Please discuss with your Post Manager and Asset Specialist so we may consider the issue in context.

After all issues have been reviewed, please share these notes via email or Google Sheet with all internal Netflix contacts and the QC vendor.

It is important that these notes be shared with the QC Partner to prevent signed off issues from being flagged again for fixes. The QC Partner will apply these notes during their fix check, and update any issues marked as Creative Intent or Best Possible.

If there are any questions around specific issues or the QC report as a whole, feel free to reach out to assetmanagement@netflix.com or the direct Asset Specialist. We are here as a resource and are happy to jump on a call to help clarify any QC issues.

What issues does Netflix always want input on?

While some issues will be deemed “creative intent” or “best possible”, there are several issues that Netflix MUST sign off on before allowing them to be approved:

What do I do after Pre-QC is completed?

After Pre-QC is complete, you will begin the final delivery process to Netflix. Please consult your Netflix Post contact for more information on this process.

Who on the Asset Management Team is assigned to my show?

To contact your Asset Specialist, please email assetmanagement@netflix.com, and in the subject line, please include the text “Pre-QC Assistance Needed,” and your contact will get back to you. We are happy to assist with both show related and general inquiries directed to this email address.